Childhood obesity is a health problem that has gained increasing attention in recent years as it affects millions of children worldwide and has very negative consequences for those who suffer from it. Today, obesity is not only considered an excess of weight. Beyond the physical risks it entail, such as a higher likelihood of heart problems or diabetes, children with obesity often also suffer from serious psychological issues. That is why, from general child health psychology a comprehensive approach is recommended: one that takes into account not only the physical aspects, but also the emotional ones. How children see themselves, how they manage their emotions, and how they interact with their environment are key factors in treating this condition.
Psychological Consequences of Childhood Obesity
Childhood obesity often comes with emotional and social consequences that cause great distress for children and can persist for many years.
One of the most visible and immediate effects is stigmatization and social rejection. At some point, all of us have witnessed or experienced bullying related to physical appearance. Many children with obesity face teasing, rejection, or isolation from their peers, which often intensifies other emotional issues, such as those described below.
These children often have low self-esteem, reflected in a negative self-image due to the difficulty of fitting into what is considered “normal” in terms of physical appearance. This can lead to a lack of confidence in their abilities, which can negatively impact other areas such as academic performance, participation in leisure activities, or social relationships in general.
They also tend to be at higher risk of developing emotional disorders such as anxiety or depression. Many children with obesity experience constant concerns about their weight and food, or fear of rejection, which increases the likelihood of feeling sad and dissatisfied, even leading to emotional withdrawal in some cases.
Some of these consequences can also trigger behaviours that perpetuate the problem: feeling out of place, being teased by peers, or experiencing symptoms of anxiety or sadness. All of this can result in seeking comfort in food to self-regulate, which only worsens their situation and can lead to a dysfunctional relationship with food. In fact, it has been shown that children with obesity are more likely to develop other eating disorders, such as bulimia or anorexia.
The Role of Parents in Their Children’s Eating Habits
Eating habits are established during childhood, and parents play a fundamental role in shaping them. Children learn largely through observation, so it is crucial that adults act as role models. It is not enough to tell them which food is healthy; it is necessary to lead by example, as children imitate what they see at home. If parents promote the consumption of fruits, vegetables, and balanced meals, it will be easier for their children to adopt these habits naturally. On the other hand, if they frequently see their parents choosing fast food and ultra-processed products, it is likely they will adopt those eating patterns.
The availability of food at home is also important. If the house is full of unhealthy food, the child will have limited access to healthy options and little opportunity to learn and maintain good habits.
Another essential aspect is how parents teach their children to relate to food. Using food as a punishment or reward can create unhealthy patterns. Phrases like “if you finish your vegetables, you get dessert” reinforce the idea that certain food is undesirable and other more appealing must be earned. Instead, a neutral and balanced relationship with food should be promoted, helping the child understand that all foods can be part of their diet without being used as bargaining tools.
The context in which meals take place is also important. Eating as a family, without screens or distractions and at regular times, helps children better regulate their eating and develop a more mindful connection with food.
What to Do If My Child Has Obesity?
Addressing childhood obesity requires empathy, understanding, and strategies that help children develop a healthy relationship with food and their bodies. Below are some key concepts to address it:
- Boost their self-esteem: First and foremost, it is essential to help them see that their worth does not depend on their weight. Rather than focusing on restrictions or criticism, it is more useful to highlight their strengths, skills, and everything that makes them unique beyond their physical appearance.
- Encourage social integration: Help the child develop social skills and strengthen their confidence so they can interact with others without fear of rejection or teasing. Intervention from the school will also be crucial to stop bullying behaviours from other children.
- Promote a healthy relationship with food: As discussed in the previous section, it is important to avoid labelling types of food as “good” or “bad” since this can cause guilt or anxiety when eating. Instead, teach them that all foods can be part of a balanced diet if consumed in the right proportions, following the food pyramid that outlines the different food groups and recommended amounts. It is also better to create a relaxed atmosphere at the table and respect their hunger and fullness signals.
- Encourage physical activity in a playful way: Finding an activity that motivates them will help integrate exercise naturally into their daily routine and prevent it from feeling like a chore or obligation.
- Talk with them about their emotions: Often, food becomes a way to escape unpleasant emotions. Therefore, fostering communication so they can express how they feel will help them manage their emotions better without turning to food as an emotional regulation strategy.
In short, and contrary to what was once believed, it is not enough to simply reduce weight; the emotional aspects that contribute to maintaining unhealthy habits must also be addressed. If obesity is significantly affecting their emotional well-being, it is advisable to consult a child psychologist and a nutrition specialist for appropriate support and to implement a multidisciplinary treatment.
Aina Fiol Veny
Psychologist Col. Nº B-02615
